BLOOMFIELD, Conn., April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of The Cigna Group's (NYSE: CI) multiyear commitment to improve youth mental health, The Cigna Group Foundation announced a $1 million contribution over the next two years to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
The Cigna Group (PRNewsfoto/The Cigna Group)
Boys & Girls Clubs of America will use the funding to expand its work with local Clubs to train staff on how to identify the signs and symptoms of youth in distress, and become trauma-informed in their policies, practices, and programs, and expand the use of its successful Behavioral Support Toolkit to all Clubs.
"As a kid, I went to my local Boys & Girls Club and learned many life skills while having fun. Giving young people that support and guidance from Boys & Girls Clubs is especially important as the school year winds down and summer vacation begins," said Melissa Skottegaard, board chair, The Cigna Group Foundation. "We are proud to expand our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to support even more young people in developing resilience and healthy coping strategies."
Over the past year, The Cigna Group Foundation strengthened its support of Boys & Girls Clubs of America with a $250,000 grant to support youth mental health programming and the development of a teen mental health guide, slated to launch with Clubs this year. As trauma-informed practices continue to take root in Clubs nationwide, Boys & Girls Clubs of America recognizes the valuable role The Cigna Group Foundation's initial grant played in making that progress possible. The partnership also offers employee engagement opportunities, which has already enabled more than 1,250 employees of The Cigna Group to participate in activities at local Boys & Girls Clubs.
Just this month, The Cigna Group and basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson joined forces on a "Bright Futures Carnival" that provided Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena kids impacted by the Southern California wildfires with a fun-filled day of activities, food and gifts – along with a special visit from the basketball legend himself.
"On behalf of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, I want to thank The Cigna Group Foundation for supporting trauma-informed programs that help young people develop healthy coping strategies in a constructive environment. Community support is crucial for the mental and physical health of our youth, and we are grateful for the positive impact this partnership has on kids and teens in communities across the country," said Chad Hartman, national vice president of corporate partnership and engagement, Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
The Cigna Group's multiyear initiative is focused on partnering with nonprofit organizations with expertise in three essential areas: improving youth mental health, bolstering veteran mental health through housing stability and services, and addressing barriers to health equity. As part of this engagement initiative, The Cigna Group Foundation is on track to invest more than $27 million in grants to nonprofit organizations through 2026.
About The Cigna Group
The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) is a global health company committed to creating a better future built on the vitality of every individual and every community. We relentlessly challenge ourselves to partner and innovate solutions for better health. The Cigna Group includes products and services marketed under Cigna Healthcare, Evernorth Health Services or its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group maintains sales capabilities in more than 30 countries and jurisdictions and has more than 186 million customer relationships around the world. Learn more at thecignagroup.com.
About The Cigna Group Foundation
The Cigna Group Foundation is a private foundation funded by contributions from The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group Foundation aims to support, collaborate, and convene with nonprofit organizations addressing society's greatest health challenges. In addition to increasing access to programs and care in geographies demonstrating significant need, the Foundation responds with humanitarian aid relief during critical times and strengthens colleagues' support of causes through matching donations and volunteer rewards. To learn more, visit www.thecignagroup.com/community.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,400 Clubs serve more than 3 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and LinkedIn.
